Charles Herschel Glass

Charles Herschel Glass, 87, decided early in the morning on March 31, 2020 that he’d finally watched enough basketball, heard the roar of too many IndyCar engines, and said goodbye to his wife of more than 64 years, his three children, and his many grandchildren. He slipped away quietly at home near Pendleton, and left behind a life filled with love, laughter, and long stories. Born on Sept. 23, 1932, to Radford and Grace (Riley) Glass, he spent his happy childhood on a farm west of Pendleton, and graduated from Markleville High School. Always a patriot, Herschel served as a paratrooper with the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, and often shared a story of jump training during a blizzard in the Alaskan Territory when out of the blowing snow, “came an angel with coffee and doughnuts from the Salvation Army”, or how he met his wife on a blind date while on leave from the Army base. While Hersh spent his career working as a machinist for several Indiana-based companies, he also spent a significant amount of time on what he called his “second career” as an IndyCar pit crew member. Known as “Glassman” to his teammates, he continued to be an active member of the Indy Racing League following his retirement. His love of racing started early, as he consistently attended the Indy 500 since 1953. When he traveled to Japan with his teammates in the 2000’s, he was widely known as not just the oldest, but the fastest team member. But being a true Hoosier to his core, Herschel was also passionate about basketball. Throughout his life he found time to travel to famous Indiana high school gyms, and was a season ticket holder at Butler University for decades. If prompted, he would gladly tell you about the first college game he ever attended, when Butler beat Notre Dame in 1948. A well-known fixture in the Crow’s Nest, Hershel made a point to shake hands with as many players and coaches as possible. While recovering from surgery, he complained not of the pain in his body, but of his misfortune in missing the last home game. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jane Louise Glass, sister Ruby Canner, children, Charles Hershel Glass Jr., Vanessa Cooper, Steffanie (Bryce) Owens, grandchildren, Brittney Glass, Tiffany Hallam, Clinton Hallam, Amanda Matlock, Zachary (Gregory Pridemore) Johnson, Jonathan Owens and Katrina Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Johnny Glass, Virginia Irwin, Nina Pollom and Helen Wamsley. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, Pendleton, Indiana. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.